Root Canals

Root Canals in Coaldale and Lethbridge: Prevent tooth loss and stop pain fast

Many unpleasant experiences are described as being “like a root canal.” However, with modern techniques and anesthetics, root canals are no less comfortable than a filling. Best of all, most patients experience significant pain reduction after treatment.

Typically root canals (also called endodontic treatments) are necessitated by a severe infection in the pulp beneath the hard layers of a tooth. This infection is caused by bacteria entering the tooth through a deep cavity, a cracked filling, or other cracks in the enamel.

What happens during a root canal?

Typically performed with the use of a local anaesthetic, once the area is numb, we:

• Carefully create an opening in the tooth to access the root canal system
• Slightly enlarge the root canal to allow thorough cleaning
• Clean away all infected tissue with fine dental instruments
• Seal the canal to prevent further infection
• Affix a temporary or permanent filling

Following a root canal procedure, we restore the shape of the tooth with a crown or permanent filling. Typically, a tooth in the back will require a crown to withstand the force of chewing. If there’s not enough of the tooth left to hold the crown, we may use posts to help support the crown.

Save your tooth with a root canal treatment

Most root canals are successful, preventing the need for tooth extractions – along with the problems that come with missing teeth (such as jaw and tooth misalignment, or serious infection). Following treatment, most of our patients experience little more than some lingering tenderness that will fade away in a few days. Remember to practice good oral hygiene and book regular dental exams to make sure your treated tooth will stay as healthy as possible.

If you’re experiencing a toothache, contact Coaldale Dental Centre today!

EXTRACTIONS Post-Operative Care Instructions

• After tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. If bleeding or oozing persists, insert another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times.
• Do not rinse or spit for 24 hours after surgery.
• Keep your fingers and tongue away from the socket or surgical area.
• Use ice packs on the surgical area (side of face) for the first 48 hours; apply ice 20 minutes on and 10 minutes off.
• For mild discomfort, take Tylenol or ibuprofen every 3-4 hours. For severe pain, used the medication prescribed to you.
• Drink plenty of fluids. (DO NOT USE A STRAW)
• We suggest that you do not smoke for at least 5 days after surgery.
• Avoid strenuous activity and do not exercise for at least 3-4 days after surgery.
• After the first post-operative day, use warm salt water rinse following meals for the first week to flush out food particles of food and debris that may lodge in the surgical area.
• Your diet should consist mainly of soft, easily swallowed foods and cool drinks. Avoid anything that might get stuck in your teeth, so no seeds, nuts, rice, popcorn or similar foods.